Two good loan signings and the unsurprising permanent move for Max Gradel didn’t make for the January transfer window most of us had probably hoped, but it does seem to have done the trick. Of course, one result at home to Colchester can no more be considered good form than two uncharacteristic losses be considered bad form, but the new additions certainly seemed to bring a bit of freshness into the side and they’ll hopefully get us back on track.  

Whilst much of the attention was on the players being linked with a move to Elland Road, David Prutton left for Colchester United. Always a favourite with the fans, affectionately nicknamed ‘Jesus’ after he went uncut and unshaven for the best part of a year, Prutton is one of the great characters of the game who is so easy likable and I’m sure the Colchester fans will take as much of a shine to him as we did.

In leaving, Prutton sent an open letter to the club and it’s fans thanking them for the the time he enjoyed at Elland Road;

Dear All,

It’s been one of the privileges of my life so far to have played for such a world renowned, highly respected football club.

The friendships I have made, the memories I hold dear and the sheer pleasure of being a Leeds player will stay with me for a long time.

Leeds United gets under your skin (as I’m sure all you avid fans know) and there will be a part of me that will always be Leeds.

I am proud to have played a part in bridging the gap between an uncertain past and a no doubt glorious future.

Leeds fans are loud, loyal and passionate. Make no mistake, you are the lifeblood of the club and always will be.

You were always fantastic to me and I hold that in my heart as I move on.

Thanks for everything,

David Prutton (aka Prutts, aka ‘Jesus’)

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling a little emotional in reading that letter and in Prutton’s departure. I’ve said on here before that he was one of the players I expected to leave as such a player was unlikely to continue playing reserve team football, so the move came as no real shock. The letter however, did catch me a little off-guard. Very few players ever forge such a bond with any club these days, but in reading the above, you can really tell how much David Prutton loved playing for Leeds United.

I wish him all the best as he moves on from Leeds United. His humurous interviews were always good value and I’ve known several of his team-mates describe him as the joker in the changing room and I’m sure they’ll miss him too.